The search for 18-year-old Lily Hooper, who went missing in New South Wales' Nattai National Park, is continuing for a third day as authorities escalate efforts to locate her. Hooper was last seen on Wednesday morning after telling her family she was going hiking in the park, located near Oakdale in Sydney's southwest. She failed to return that evening, and despite sending messages from the park earlier in the day, has been unreachable.
A multi-agency operation, involving police, the State Emergency Service (SES), and fire services, has been scouring the rugged terrain. The search teams resumed operations on Saturday morning. Authorities located Hooper's car near the Bonnum Pic trailhead, but no further signs of her have been found.
Hume Police crime manager Detective Inspector Benjamin Bowles stated on Friday that while authorities are concerned for Hooper's safety, he remains optimistic, noting that she is an experienced hiker. "We have not been able to fully confirm what supplies (Ms Hooper) had with her at the time but we are still hopeful that we will be able to locate her safe and sound," Bowles said, adding that there is "no information to suggest that this is anything other than an overdue hiker."
The search efforts have employed helicopters, drones, specialist rescuers, and trail-bike riders, with defence force personnel joining the operation on Friday. The Bonnum Pic trail is known for its challenging 17km return journey, featuring both on-track and off-track routes, dense bushland, and rock scrambling.
Hooper, who celebrated her 18th birthday in December, is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, with a slim build, long blonde hair, and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a shirt and shorts. Hooper is a recent graduate of Campbelltown Performing Arts High School and recently returned from a Muay Thai martial arts training camp in Thailand.
Her family has expressed deep anxiety, with her uncle Trent Brideson stating they have received no new information and that her parents are "understandably not coping very well." Her aunt Sheridan Munro shared a plea on Facebook for assistance in finding her niece. Family members are not permitted to join the active search within the park.
NSW Premier Chris Minns stated his prayers are with Hooper's family, acknowledging their heartbreak and anxiety. Police are urging anyone who was on the Bonnum Pic walking trail on Wednesday or who has any information regarding Lily Hooper's whereabouts to contact Southern Highlands Police Station or Crime Stoppers.